Celebrities have brought curly hair back All the steps for a red carpet curly hair routine
As we predicted at the beginning of the year, natural hair has officially become the new go-to look. After seasons of super sleek styles and perfectly sculpted waves, now it's all about embracing your authentic texture, raw and unapologetic. Curls, real, imperfect, slightly rebellious, are back in the spotlight. But how do you tame them without stripping their essence? Celebrity hairstylists, who handle some of the most envied curly hair right now, know exactly how. From defining creams that don’t weigh hair down to gels that control frizz without leaving a crunchy finish, here are the essentials to use.
Must-have products for curly hair like the celebrities
Curly hair routine: shower steps
A quick pitstop on how to care for curly hair from the start. The curly hair routine obviously starts in the shower. First rule: detox. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup and environmental residues. Then apply a sulfate-free or gentle shampoo so as not to strip the hair of its natural oils. Massage the scalp thoroughly and rinse carefully. Step two: conditioner, generously. With hair well-saturated, detangle using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and gradually working up to the roots to prevent breakage. Rinse (leaving a bit on if your curls are very dry) and only then move on to styling.
Leave-in mask
The leave-in mask is one of those steps that truly makes a difference, especially for curls. Unlike traditional masks that are rinsed out, leave-ins stay on the hair and continue working over time: they lock in hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce frizz. In short, they help curls maintain definition and softness without that dry or puffy effect typical of rebellious hair. That’s why Amber Maynard, hairstylist for Odessa A’zion, uses the BioTech Blowout Leave-In Restorative Hair Mask by Goddess Maintenance Co. on the actress. This product prepares the hair, makes it more manageable, and reduces drying time, whether air-drying or using a diffuser, guaranteeing shiny, elastic curls ready for the red carpet. Meanwhile, Vernon François applies Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother on Erin Kellyman, which tames curls while also protecting them from heat. Apply on wet hair right after showering; some products require a few minutes of setting before moving to the next steps.
Styling cream
No curly girl survives without at least one styling cream in her routine. Unlike gels and mousses, which can leave hair stiff or crunchy if used incorrectly, creams work on damp hair to define curls, tame frizz, and add softness and shine without weighing hair down. Not surprisingly, Eduardo Méndez, hairstylist for Havana Rose Liu, uses the Un‑Frizz Hair Styling & Smoothing Cream by Virtue to achieve perfectly defined, natural-looking waves.
Hair gel
Gels come into play when you want maximum definition and hold, especially if your hair tends to lose shape throughout the day. Unlike creams, which focus on hydration and softness, gels lock in the curl shape, control volume, help maintain the natural pattern, and reduce frizz while keeping structure well-defined. The key is to choose formulas that avoid the classic crunchy finish.
Curl mousse
Mousses add volume and frizz control without weighing hair down. They are perfect if you want soft, bouncy hair, as long as you don’t overdo the product. The difference with gel is that mousse is gentler, while gel is more structured and defined. Many curly-haired people combine products: cream plus mousse for lightness, or cream plus gel for extra definition.
